People often ask us, “what makes the NAAPCC certification different?” “Why obtain NAAPCC Board Certification?” At the request of professionals from across the US, and after much research, the NAAPCC Board set a goal at inception to seek national accreditation to assure the Center was always operating at the highest standards. The Board at that time looked at options and chose to work toward accreditation through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). They learned that not only are the Music Therapist, Art Therapist and Recreation Therapist bodies accredited through NCCA, but so are many other health related entities. According to www.acefitness.org, “The nation’s most respected thinkers in health and fitness agree that NCCA accreditation is the gold standard when it comes to accreditation of programs that certify professionals working in healthcare, fitness, wellness and other occupations.” Holding NCCA accreditation assures the certification meets high standards and follows strict guidelines. NAAPCC’s goal was to offer certifications that are required by employers and recognized by CMS. Full Activity Professional Certifications (AC-BC, AP-BC, ACC, and ADC), CTRS, OTR and COTA are the only certifications recognized by CMS or required in any federal regulations.

The NAAPCC is following the standards required by the NCCA and is working toward national accreditation. It normally takes entities many years to complete all the required criteria and the process is very expensive. However, while working toward meeting those criteria, the Board is committed to following all standards possible including:

NAAPCC is a certifying body only with a separate Board of Directors and no undue influence from outside entities.

The NCCA states that certifying bodies seeking accreditation cannot offer or require any specific course, which can be a conflict of interest. NAAPCC does not offer or endorse any specific education.

The Board members do not benefit financially from any criteria required for the certification.

The NAAPCC only offers certifications accepted by CMS and required by some facilities to direct Activity/Life Enrichment Programs. NAAPCC offers an Activity Consultant/Educator Board Certification (AC-BC) and an Activity Professional Board Certification (AP-BC).

The NAAPCC requires all certification applicants to take a comprehensive exam.

The NAAPCC has a distinct firewall between the Credentialing Center (NAAPCC) and the educating bodies such as the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) and State Associations.

The NAAPCC has policies and procedures in place to cover required NCCA standards.

The NAAPCC is a proud member of ICE (the Institute of Credentialing Excellence). The NAAP Credentialing Center is committed to assuring there will always be a certification option available to all Activity Professionals that will meet the NCCA standards. Please contact us at naapcc.office@gmail.com with questions and visit our website at www.naapcc.net to see which PATH is best for you to follow toward your Board Certification!

Debbie Bouknight is the Director of Outreach & Recertification for the NAAP Credentialing Center. She has

worked in Activities in Long Term Care for about 30 years. She has served on her State Association Board, SCAPA in many positions. She currently serves as Past President and the NAAP State Contact. She has served on the NAAP Board as Public Relations Trustee and currently is working on the NAAP 2019 Annual Conference to be held in South Carolina. She believes very strongly in certification, continuing education for Activity Professionals. She is certified AC-BC by the NAAP Credentialing Center, ACC by the National Certification Council, and holds a CDP from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.